North Carolina A&T State University has received a generous $20 million donation from an anonymous donor. North Carolina A&T is one of the many HBCUs that has received large donations over the last few months.

“We are deeply honored and grateful for this extraordinary gift,” said Kenneth E. Sigmon Jr., vice chancellor of University Advancement. “This generous support will provide crucial resources to our students, faculty, and programs, ensuring that N.C. A&T continues to thrive as a leading institution for higher learning and innovation.”

The news comes shortly after the university announced Dr. James R. Martin II as the new chancellor. Martin, who will officially assume his role on August 15, is succeeding Harold Martin Sr., who is retiring after 15 years as chancellor. Dr. Martin previously served as the U.S. Steel Dean of Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Engineering.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Martin as our new chancellor,” said A&T Board of Trustees Chair Kimberly Bullock Gatling. “His strong vision aligns perfectly with our goal to elevate N.C. A&T’s national presence as a leading doctoral, research land-grant HBCU. Under his leadership, we look forward to continued growth and success.”

The donation will go towards the university’s Preeminence 2030: North Carolina A&T Blueprint project, a strategic plan to achieve a higher level of distinction and “preeminence” by 2030. The $20 million donation will be allocated among four initiatives:

  • $15 million for scholarships
  • $2 million to establish endowed professorships in artificial intelligence
  • $2 million for international opportunities
  • $1 million to promote opportunities for campus communities to interact with current thought leaders through the ongoing Chancellor’s Speaker Series

The additional funding will also go towards international exchange opportunities and securing and retaining professors who are thought leaders in areas of artificial intelligence.

Another North Carolina-based HBCU has also recently received a large donation made by an anonymous donor. Earlier this month, Livingstone College received its fifth $1 million donation from an anonymous donor. The donations to the college started last fall during the homecoming festivities.

Last October, Fort Valley State University also received a $1 million donation, but this time it was from alumni. Dr. Alonzo Jones, Dr. Almas Jones, and their niece, Dr. Rose Holton, donated the funds to the university, making it the largest donation from living alumni in the history of the university.

Spelman College received the largest single donation ever to an HBCU earlier this year when they received a historic $100 million donation. The donation came from philanthropist and businesswoman Rhonda Stryker and her husband, William Johnston.